Liberman Warns: "Israel is Not Ready for Another Iran War"

Yisrael Beytenu Chairman Avigdor Liberman issued a stark warning on Monday regarding the Iranian threat, arguing that Israel’s current defense strategy is outdated and that the home front remains dangerously exposed.

Speaking at his weekly faction meeting, Liberman claimed that Israel is not adequately prepared for another Iranian assault and called for a major strategic shift in the IDF's procurement policy: establishing a dedicated Missile Corps instead of purchasing additional fighter jet squadrons.

"The security and political establishments are making a huge mistake," Liberman declared. "Instead of buying another squadron, we must establish a Missile Corps. 90 percent of modern warfare takes place within the framework of rocketry. We have the best Air Force in the world, but it is not enough."

He pointed to the damage caused by previous Iranian barrages as proof of the changing battlefield. "Since the war, the Iranians have worked hard to expand their missile array. I call on the security establishment to re-examine all their assessments, both for the short and long term."

Liberman leveled harsh criticism at Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, accusing the government of "delayed ignition" regarding the Iranian threat.

"On Sukkot, I spoke about the need to prepare for defense against Iran. Since then, I have been attacked incessantly on the subject," Liberman said. "But look at this wonder: yesterday I read that the Prime Minister himself asked to postpone the attack on Iran because the State of Israel is not ready."

He added, "This is the result of the Prime Minister's delayed reaction. He didn't respond in time. And we are still not in the right direction. When you lose time, you also pay a price."

The opposition leader highlighted the vulnerability of strategic sites and the civilian population. He noted that while it is impossible to evacuate every strategic facility, referencing past attempts by Iran to target locations like the Weizmann Institute, the government must be ready for immediate evacuations.

Citing the State Comptroller, Liberman painted a grim picture of civilian protection: "The Comptroller’s latest report notes that over 3 million people live in the State of Israel without proper protection. Furthermore, half a million students go to the education system without proper shelter."

"Since 'Operation Am Kelavi (Rising Lion),' nothing has happened," he concluded. "How many protected spaces have we added since then?"